The State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana governs financial aid in the state of Indiana. Students seeking to apply for Indiana state grants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Indiana, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (you can do that online – details here!) demonstrate financial need, and plan to enroll in an undergraduate program. Available Indiana state grants include…

Frank O’Bannon Grant

A program that includes numerous awards to assist students planning to attend eligible institutions of higher learning in Indiana. Higher Education Awards are intended for students attending public or proprietary institutions.

For individuals attending private schools, the award is divided into the Higher Education Award and Freedom of Choice Grant. Additionally, Academic Honors and Core 40 Diploma grants are offered to recipients who demonstrate financial need and graduate from an eligible high school in the state of Indiana with an Academic Honors or Core 40 Diploma and a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 and 2.0.

The qualifications include a high school graduate or earned a GED and plan to attend an eligible institution full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours) to pursue an associate’s or first bachelor’s degree. The amount of award varies from year to year.

Twenty-first Century Scholars Program

A program intended for income-eligible students in 7th and 8th grade who fulfill a promise of satisfactory citizenship. Recipients are awarded up to four years of undergraduate tuition depending on funding availability and estimated family contribution. If students decide to enroll at a private or independent institution, the award amount will be comparable to the tuition costs at a public school. Applicants must graduate from an eligible high school in Indiana with a cumulative GPA of 2.0, enroll on a full-time basis at an eligible institution of higher learning, and refrain from criminal activity and illegal use of controlled substances such as alcohol.

Twenty-first Century Summer GEAR UP Scholarship

Awards of up to $1,500 that can be used for individuals deemed as Twenty-first Century Scholars to pay for the summer terms prior to the fall of the first enrollment or the summer term following the first year of enrollment. 2012 is the last year the scholarship is available. The amount of the scholarship depending on number of credit hours enrolled for the summer term: 3 credits $500, 6 credits $1,000, and 9 credits $1,500.

Indiana National Guard Supplemental Grant

Grant that offers up to 100 percent of the costs of tuition for qualified members of the Indiana Air or Army National Guard. Students must be enrolled at least 3 credit hours at an eligible college or university to receive the grant. The grant can only be used for fall and spring semesters. Recipients must be in active drilling status and cannot have been absent from post without official permission at any time for one year prior to enrollment.

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National Guard Extension Scholarship

Limited scholarship program available to former members of the Guard who left under honorable discharge circumstances, used the Indiana National Guard Supplemental Grant, and served on active duty internationally since September 10, 2001.

The Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship

Program for students who graduate from a public high school at least one year early. Eligibility requirements include attended a public high school full-time for a minimum of the last two semesters prior to graduation, fulfilled the minimum graduation requirements by the end of the 11th grade and not enrolled for any part of 12th grade, and enrollment in a postsecondary institution within five months of graduation. The program grants up to $4,000 and the scholarship is a one-time benefit that cannot be renewed.

Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship program intended to encourage students to pursue a nursing career in the state of Indiana. Eligibility requirements include admitted on a part or full-time basis in a nursing program at an approved institution and minimum GPA of 2.0 or meet the minimum GPA requirements of the specific program. Students must reapply for the scholarship every year and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Recipients must agree to work as a nurse at an Indiana health care facility for a minimum of the first two years after completion of the program.

The maximum yearly scholarship is $5,000 and the institution will determine actual amount of the award.

Minority Teacher/Special Education Services Scholarship

A scholarship program intended for minority students but some non-minority students may qualify. Eligibility requirements include a Black or Hispanic student pursuing a certification in teaching, occupational therapy, or physical therapy and admitted to an eligible postsecondary school on a part-time basis.

Award amounts are up to $4,000 per year for minority students and $1,000 for non-minority students. To renew the scholarship, students must reapply every year and maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required by the college or at least a 2.0 GPA.

Recipients must complete their program within six years the scholarship is first awarded and either teach on a full time basis at an accredited elementary or secondary school in Indiana or practice in occupational or physical therapy at an accredited school, rehabilitation facility, or developmental disabilities center for the first three years after certification.

Child of Certain Veterans and Public Safety Officers Supplemental Grant

Program that offers financial help to qualifying individuals who are children of disabled veterans, spouses and children of members of the Indiana National Guard who lost their lives while on duty, and spouses and children of public safety officers killed on the job. The grant pays 100 percent of tuition and fees.

Part-Time Grant Program

Need-based program intended for degree-seeking students enrolled part-time at public or independent postsecondary schools in Indiana. Designed to promote part-time students to complete their programs. Students must be enrolled in at least two credits, but less than 12 credits. Awarded by term and the amount varies by institution.

Individuals receiving Indiana state grants must only use the awards for the costs of tuition and fees. For further information regarding financial aid in Indiana, the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana provides valuable information (www.in.gov/ssaci).